When faced with missing teeth, the options for replacement may be overwhelming. This is true when you break down the cost of each option. Dr Derek Conover, a leading reconstructive dentist in Philadelphia, recommends dental implants to patients with missing teeth. The initial cost of dental implants in Philadelphia, PA, can be higher than other tooth replacement options. However, dental implants offer more benefits.
Why You Should Invest in Dental Implants
Dental implants are a long-term investment in your oral health and overall well-being. Implants are permanent and may also prevent your need for further dental care.
Implant restorations help stop common problems you can encounter after losing teeth. After you lose a permanent tooth, the remaining natural teeth can shift to fill your missing tooth gap. These teeth can overcrowd and overlap. Overcrowded teeth are hard to clean, meaning you’re at a higher risk of infection.
Biting and chewing can become difficult when you have missing teeth. As a result, you may develop bite disorders like TMJ disorders. Uneven pressure on the remaining teeth can create pain when eating and place pressure on the jaw joints.
Restoring one or more missing teeth with implants can prevent these problems. Dental implants offer a permanent solution for missing teeth. They often do not require future maintenance costs. No other solution for missing teeth compares to dental implants.
Cost Comparison: Traditional Restorations vs. Dental Implants
Dentures and dental bridges cost significantly less upfront than dental implants. However, they must also be replaced, realigned, or rebased over time, which can add up depending on the wear and tear. Removable restorations may only last up to ten years.
Traditional restorations do not replace teeth at the root. This means they lay on the gums. They do not support the underlying bone and gums. With these restorations, you can still experience problems like facial sagging because they do not prevent bone loss.
Dental implants often cost more than traditional restorations. However, they are a permanent solution. If cared for properly, the dental implant posts will last forever. Once we place the implant post and it heals, it will stay in the jaw permanently.
Restorations can also last longer when secured with dental implants. Implants support the teeth and gums to prevent problems like bone loss. Dental implants also improve speech, make eating easier, and prevent problems like slipping restorations.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
Avoiding tooth replacement because of treatment cost often leads to more expensive treatment. It can also decrease your quality of life. The longer you put off getting dental implants, the more likely you will need complex treatment. These procedures can increase the total cost of implant treatment.
If you do not replace missing teeth, it can affect your oral health. Over time, you can experience changes affecting your gums, teeth, and bite. Common problems caused by missing teeth include:
- Facial sagging
- Speech issues
- Difficulty biting and chewing
- Increased risk of tooth decay
- Further tooth loss
- Poor nutrition
Waiting to replace your teeth can worsen your oral health. Contact us as soon as you lose a tooth. Restoring a single tooth is simpler and less costly than treating full arches of missing teeth. Early preventative care can save you money and time.
Even other restorations like traditional dentures or bridges can lead to these problems. While they offer quick treatment, these restorations do not last.
The Cost of Dental Implants in Philadelphia, PA
The cost of replacing missing teeth with dental implants can vary widely. This cost can depend on several key factors. However, the main factors of implant cost include:
- Type of implant restoration
- Size of dental implants
- Number of implants
- Location of dental implants
Replacing a single tooth costs less than replacing a full mouth of missing teeth. Bridges may only require two implants, while a denture requires four or more implants.
Many people will also need more treatments that impact the total cost of implants. These treatments may include bone grafting, gum disease treatments, root canals, or tooth extractions. Additional care ensures that patients are in good oral health before treatment. Patients with severe dental infections or jaw bone loss require these treatments for successful treatment.
Not every patient is the same. Before implant treatment, Dr. Conover will examine your teeth, gums, and jaw to see if you need additional care. Then, we will help break down the cost of your total implant treatment. Sedation, surgery costs, and materials are included in this cost breakdown.
Payment and Insurance Options for Dental Implants
We will work with you to ensure you receive the maximum benefits according to the terms of your plan. Please remember that dental benefits help defray the cost of primary dental care. However, even with insurance, you may have out-of-pocket expenses.
Most dental insurance benefits do not cover advanced restorative procedures like dental implants. Some plans partially cover dental fabrication, which can include a crown, bridge, or denture. We will do our best to get you an estimated cost at your visit. You should know what your dental insurance will cover.
Insurance often does not cover the total cost of treatment. For your convenience, our Philadelphia dentist office accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit cards. Dr. Conover also offers affordable payment plans for restorative dental needs.
We accept CareCredit and Lending Club. These companies offer low monthly payments and little to no interest, helping you fit treatment within your budget. Our helpful office staff can help you find which payment method will work best for you.
Contact Our Office For Affordable Dental Implants
If cost stops you from getting dental implants, call our office at (215) 395-6076. You can also schedule an appointment with us online. Our office will find the right solution for you to live with lasting tooth restorations.
We work to provide an affordable cost of dental implants in our Philadelphia, PA office. We’re here to answer any questions about treatment costs. Feel free to ask us about implant treatment at your next visit.
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